top of page
.png)
About Bargaining
Why is bargaining important?
Bargaining is, fundamentally, why Graduate Assistants United was founded.
Before GAU, the University could set whatever wages and benefits they saw fit without any obligation to listen to the concerns and struggles of Graduate Assistants. There was no minimum stipend, and GAs on a 0.5 FTE were paid as little as $8,000 a year for their labor.
Health insurance was doled out as a lottery system. If you weren't picked randomly for insurance, you just didn't get it. Even if you had medical conditions, or children, or any other dependents.
Every gain we've made for GAs has been made at the bargaining table. We've raised the minimum stipend for GAs to $19,074 and secured health insurance for every GA who wants to purchase it.
Bargaining is what makes your life as a GA better, and it's where we need your support the most. Join us for bargaining - even if it's only for 30 minutes - because your presence increases pressure on the University to consider our positions and allow all of us to survive without having to skip meals, medications, or bills. Stay up to date with our current bargaining season on our blog, or join GAU and you'll receive bargaining updates in your inbox.
Remember, FSU works because WE do.
Recent Bargaining Wins
2025
-
A 2% increase to the minimum stipend, from $18,750 to $19,074 (for 0.5 FTE, or prorated accordingly)
-
A one-time bonus of $1,300 for GAs on a 0.5 FTE appointment
-
A one-time bonus of $650 for GAs on a 0.25-0.49 FTE appointment
2023
-
$250/semester fee relief for GAs on a 0.5 FTE appointment, $125/semester fee relief for GAs on a 0.25-0.49 FTE appointment
-
An increase to the minimum stipend from $16,250 to $18,000 (for 0.5 FTE, or prorated accordingly) effective Fall 2023
-
A 5% across-the-board raise effective Fall 2023
-
An increase to the minimum stipend from $18,000 to $18,750 (for 0.5 FTE, or prorated accordingly) effective Fall 2024
-
A 4% across-the-board raise effective Fall 2024
2021
-
An increase to the minimum stipend to $16,000 (for 0.5 FTE, or prorated accordingly) before Spring 2022
-
An increase to the minimum stipend from $16,000 to $16,250 ((for 0.5 FTE, or prorated accordingly) before Fall 2022
-
A 1% across-the-board raise effective Fall 2022
-
One week additional pay for prep time before the start of courses
-
Locked the percentage of the healthcare subsidy to 79.9% for GAs on a 0.5 FTE appointment and 58% for GAs on a 0.25-0.49 FTE appointment
-
A 1% non-recurring bonus for the 2022-2023 school year
bottom of page